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OF THE 



REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA 



CENTRAL AMERICA. 



PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. 






CHICAGO, ILL. 

Press of the COURRIER DE CHICAGO, Pontiac Bldg., Rooms 1001-1002. 
1893. 



DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUHT 

OF THE 

GEOGRAPHICAL, STATISTICAL AND \ 
OTHER INSTITUTIONS 

OF THE 

REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA, 

Central America. 

« 

PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. 



Central America comprises the territory between 
the Republics of Mexico and the United States of Colom- 
bia, extending over one thousand miles from S. E. to 
N.W. Its greatest width from the Pacific to the Atlantic is 
four hundred miles. Central America is comprised within 
the 8° and 17 49' North latitude, and 8i° 35' and 
92 30', West longitude of the meridian of Greenwich. 
Its superficial area is about 170,900 square miles and it 
has a population of a little over 3,200,000. 

The old Captain Generalship under the dominion of 
Spain comprised all of Central America, besides the state 
of Chiapas and the Soconusco district, which now belong 
to Mexico. 

After the realization of independence in 1821, Central 
America, for a short time, joined the Ityrbide Empire, 



2 

Upon the fall of the Empire, and separated from Mexico, 
it organized itself into a confederation, and adopted a 
political code in 1824. — The interior strifes of each State 
and between the states themselves, caused a rupture of 
the federal compact, and from 1839 they commenced 
organizing into independent Republics, as follows: Costa 
Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Salvador and Guatemala. 

GUATEMALA. 

Guatemala is the most northern of the five Repub- 
lics composing Central America, extending from the 
13 42 7 and 17 49 7 North latitude to the 88° io 7 and 
92 30 7 West longitude of the meridian of Greenwich. 
It has an area of 50,600 square miles, bounded by the 
Republics of Mexico, Honduras, Salvador and the two 
oceans. 

The capital, New Guatemala, is situated on the 
14 37 7 and 32" North latitude and 90 30 7 and 41^/ 

Uongitude, and is at an elevation of 1480 metres above 

,<3he sea level. 

The territory now included in Guatemala was dis- 
covered by Pedro de Alvarado, who was commissioned by 
Hernan Cortez, conqueror of Mexico. The indigenous 
people found by Alvarado were known as the Quiches, 
Cakchiqueles, Zutuhiles, Pocomames, Mames, Lacau- 
dones and others of lesser note. The three first named 
were systematically organized, and offered stronger resist 
tance. When the African race was brought into the coun- 
try as slaves, it made little or no impression on the mass 
of the people in the northern part, although they mixed 
more freely with them than in the South, This \v-ajs due 
Xq the scarcity pf their numbers. 



3 

The Indians neither lacked of the intelligence to 
conduct their affairs, nor the valor to protect their rights. 
The natives not having had any share in the political life 
of the country from the time of the conquest, nor having 
taken any part in the higher intellectual affairs, had 
gradually fallen back into a state of indifference, leaving 
them only sufficient energy to conduct their private 
affairs, and most ordinary matters of trade and barter. 

Although they spoke different languages, these ap- 
peared to the stranger as only one; though differing in 
their customs manners and tastes. 

Physical Aspect. 

The country in general is of a mountainous character, 
but, near the coast as well as in the interior, are found 
salubrious and fertile plains. The climate is as diversi- 
fied as the physical aspect of the country: hot on the 
coast and low-lands, mild at an elevation of say from 
one to two thousand metres and changing more notice- 
ably as the height increases. 

Like all countries in the torrid zone,the year is divided 
into two seasons: wet and dry; but on the Northern coast, 
on account of the north winds, the wet season comes ear- 
lier and is prolonged later, there being some localities 
where there are but two or three months of dry weather 
during the year. In other parts of the country however, 
the rainy season begins in May and ends in October. On 
account of their topographical features, there are certain 
districts, where it seldom rains; but in others, it is abun- 
dant. In higher altitudes, the average rain-fall varies 
between one metre ten centimetres and one metre forty 
centimetres, but on the coast it is some years, as high 
as three metres. 



4 
The aspect of the country is exceedingly picturesque, 
nature being very liberal with her gifts: delightful val- 
leys with a most luxurious vegetation, rivers bordered 
with a most beautiful flora, and lakes no less charming 
for their changing contours and their beautiful situations 
than those, so much praised by distinguished travelers. 

Flora and Fauna of Guatemala. 

An infinite variety of vegetables is produced in the 
forests, gratifying to the eyes and useful in industry and 
science. In all the different temperatures and altitudes 
we find a great abundance of woods; the principal ones, 
in a collection of more than a hundred and fifty different 
classes, are ebony, jocote, walnut, pine, chestnut, oak, 
rose-wood, mahogany, cedar, mulberry, lemon-tree, 
laurel, storax, sapota-tree, rouron, cypress, etc.; amongst 
the dye-woods there are the mulberry-heart, nacascol 
campeche, brazil-wood, madder, mixco, alum, etc. Medi 
cinal plants and barks are no less numerous. In many 
regions we find the rhubarb, cassia-fistularis, ipecacuanha ' 
tamarind, sarsaparrilla and balsam. 

The variety and richness of the fauna are in close 
keeping with those of the flora. The woods of Guate- 
mala are the cradle of the micoleon, the badger, the ot- 
ter, the coyote or wild dog, the tiger, the marine-cat, the 
tapir, the wild boar, the deer, and the wild goat. 
Ferocious animals are scarce, and even those that are so 
by nature and instinct, do not show here such savageness 
as in other countries. A proof of this assertion is the re. 
duced number of accidents that happen in the country, 
on this account, although the natives take few or no pre- 
cautions to avoid them. 

But it is with the stationary and indigenous birds 
that nature here displays all her luxuriance, there being 



5 
no less than six hundred different species, some of which 
like the quetzal, the macaw, and the parrot, posess rich col- 
ors and beautiful combinations of plumage ;others are fine 
singers, as the guarda and the chorcha, a good many 
others presenting rich food for the people. As to the 
domestic birds, all those imported from Europe have 
been successfully reared. .. 

The wonderful fertility, which in every sense of the 
word is found in the woods and forests, the mountains 
and plains, and in the plants, shrubs and trees as well as 
in the flowers of all kinds, forms and colors, impart here 
to nature an indiscribable amount of animation and vita- 
lity. All the varieties of the fauna of the torrid, and many 
of the temperate zones: all the prismatic colors of the 
vast multitudes of birds and insects, all the melodies 
heard at night time, leaving aside the mutterings of the 
torrents and water-falls, which at the opening of the day, 
harmonize with thousands of thrills and the happy 
gambols of so many beings, passing from slumber 
to activity, contribute here to the happiness of the in- 
habitants. 

Minerals 

We have abundant proofs that the soil of Guate- 
mala is rich in minerals, but the people have taken no 
particular pains to work the mines. An additional rea- 
son for this negligence being found in the heretofore 
difficult means of communication. We find gold and sil- 
ver washings, veins, iron, lead and coal mines, marble 
ouarries, pumice-stone, sulphur, talc, copper, obsidian 
ana -onglomerats. 

The gveat facility to earn the means of living and 
especially, the scantiness of population, hardly sufficient 
at present to develop the agricultural and other pur- 
suits already initiated, have been the cause that mining 



undertakings have not figured, up to the present, as an 
important source to the national wealth. To these 
causes we may add to some extent the distance to the 
mining centres, and the dificiency in our system of roads. 

Volcanoes. 

A line of volcanic peaks running almost parallel 
with the coast of the Pacific Ocean, extends from the 
frontier of the neighbouring State of Salvador, up to that 
of Mexico. In some places we find traces of great geolo- 
gical revolutions, the conglomeration of enormous 
rocks as if thrown there by violent eruptions, the depres- 
sion of lands where mountains existed, and where now 
lakes, surrounded by colossal walls, have been formed, 

The etappes and heights of the Cordillera seen from 
the ocean, present one of the most beautiful and majes- 
tic sceneries, to the admirers of nature: an immense ver- 
dant covering sprinkled with more than thirty snow- 
capped volcanoes, many of such regularity in forms, as if 
they had been chiseled according to some geometrical 
prototype. The following are the highest: 

The peak of Tajumulco, at an elevation of 4,390 me- 
tres above the level of the sea. 
, The peak of Tacana at 4> I 9° metres. 

The peak of Acatenango, at 3,906 metres. 

The Fire peak at 3,740. 

The Water peak 3,690. 
, The most perfect in form is the volcano Santa Maria 

The Acatenar.go and the Fire volcanoes are united 
as if they were twins, rising amongst the whole 
system. 

The misnamed Water vol:ano which is detached, 
and isolated from the others, with its immense volume 
and fertile ba r is, owes its name to the overflow of the 



7 
water deposited at its summit, having caused by the 
amundation of its western side, the ruin of the primitive 
city of Santiago de los Cabelleros, founded by Don Pedro 
de Alvarado. 

The Fire volcano has had several eruptions, but 
without causing any great damage. Nearly all the 
others are now extinct. 

Lakes and Rivers. 

The principal lakes of the country are those of Isabal, 
el Peten or Flores, Tezacualpa, Ayarza, Atitlan, Amati- 
tlan and Giuja. 

The lake of Isabal is 90 kilometres long by 20 in 
width. 

The Peten lake is 48 kilometres long by 10 wide. 

The Atitlan lake is 29 kilometres by eleven. 

The Ayarza is 12 by 12. 

Amatitlan is 12 by 4. 

The Tezacualpa is 12 by 11. 

The Giuja lake constitutes the limit between Guate- 
mala and Salvador, the bordering line running in its cen- 
tre, from North to South. 

None of the lakes present such beautiful and diversi- 
fied scenery as that of Atitlan. A line of volcanoes 
borders its southern portion, and alongside of all its limits 
there are mountains of such varied heights and forms that 
they resemble gigantic human monuments. It is crossed by 
numerous rivers and torrents which have no other drainage 
or outlet than by infiltration in the southern portion. From 
all the points of any elevation above the lake of Atetlan 
different scenes are presented : views of prodigious effects, 
and tableaux that inspire enthusiasm and contemplation. 
Stretching out in the form of an immense cross, being at 
a considerable altitude and surrounded by abrupt moun- 



8 

tains, it is embellished all around by fourteen villages in- 
habited by vigorous Indians, a race who preserve all their 
activity and strength ; but as soon as the rapid ascension is 
made by the road leading to the south, we begin to descend, 
looking toward the coast. The aspect of all the surround- 
ings is rapidly changed; the woods become thicker, the 
noise of the springs and the gay singing of the birds form 
a contrast to the heavy contours of the lake,and the severe 
lines of the circle of mountains appear from some 
places like a gigantic Colisium, and from others like a 
museum of innumerable pyramids and inaccessible pago- 
das, or like titanic fortresses. 

In this Atitlan lake, fish do not propagate, although 
great pains have been taken to establish fisheries 
there. It is not known if this is on account of the quality 
of the water, of under currents, or of some other un- 
known causes. All the environments ofthe lake denote 
that, in an unknown period, there have been there 
revolutions which have transformed the whole con - 
guration of those places. 

The most important rivers of Guatemala are the 
Motagua, the Polochic, Sarstoon, Lecandon, Pasion, San 
Pedro and the Usumacinta, flowing into the Atlantic; and 
the Paz, Esclavas, Michatoya, Guacalate, Coyalate, 
Samala, Tilapa, Nacanja and Ocos, flowing into the Pacific. 

The Passion river, which a little below its source 
takes the name of Usumacinta, is navigable by steamboats 
drawing very little water for about 120 leagues, and were 
it not for its rapids, might be canalized for an equal dis- 
tance. The Chixy, an affluent of the Usumacinta is navi- 
gable from near the Coban. Navigation could easily be 
carried on in the Motagua by steamboats of little draw- 
ing for a distance of say 40 leagues from its mouth. The 
Polochic is also navigable from lake Isabal, into which it 





flows, up to Panzos, a distance of, say, 10 leagues, and even 
for another ten additional leagues by cleaning its channel. 
The rivers flowing into the Pacific only carry sufficient 
water on the lower or southern coast, and a few like the 
Paz, the Ocos, the Naranjo, the Samala and others might 
be made navigable for a few leagues. 

Seaports. 

In the Atlantic the ports of Guatemala are: Izabal, 
Santo Tomas, Puerto-Barrios and Livingston; the first 
named, situated on the coast of the lake of its name, 
cannot be reached by large vessels on account of the bar 
at the mouth of Rio* Dulce, through which it flows into 
the sea. The port of Santo-Tomas, the best in Guate- 
mala, and one of the best in all Central America, is well 
sheltered, and has a depth sufficient to allow the approach 
of deep-d.aught vessels. The other two ports on the 
Atlantic are inferior to Santo-Tomas. On the Pacific 
coast there are no real ports, but the harbors allow their 
formation, and there are several places which may 
serve as a port. There are at present the ports of San 
Jose, Champerico and Ocos. Some time ago Tejocote 
was utilized as such, and, even now vessels embark and dis- 
embark there, but with more difficulty than by the three 
others. Gualan, on the Motagua, and Panzos, on the 
Polochic are river ports. 

Medicinal Baths. 

In several places, but on the Pacific coast especially, 
there are medicinal fountains of hot, tepid, ferruginous, 
sulphurous and saline waters. 

Some are found in Escuintla, on the side of the vol- 
canoes, and in several of the interior departments; but no 



10 

general and careful study has been made of them, except 
in certain places, thickly inhabited or frequently visited by 
travelers. The physical aspect of the country, mountain- 
ous and volcanic as it is, shov/s of itself that there exists 
waters of all kinds, suitable for all purposes. 

Social Condition. 

According to the census of 1892 the population was 
composed of 1,510,326 Guatemaleans. They are divided 
into two different groups, the Ladinos and the Indians, 
the former being the descendants of the white race, and 
of a mixture of European and Indians. There are several 
other subdivisions which cannot easily be described, as they 
are not a very distinct group, coming from a mixture of 
Indian and^lack, or white and black, and the progeny of 
these two races. 

By the very nature of the conquest, the crossing of 
the Europeans and Indians was rapidly accomplished; and, 
although the bulk of the latter did not interfere in a direct 
way in the administrative organization in politics, nor in 
scientific pursuits, some individualities which excelled 
amongst them and likewise all those who met with pro- 
pitious circumstances, entered actively into the body poli- 
tic, even where the indigenous type predominated. This 
condition of affairs has been followed ever since. 

The mixture of the European races with the indige- 
nous has certainly not brought about the lowering of men- 
tal faculties, nor intellectual or moral debility; but 
the indifference and seclusiveness,and the almost mechan- 
ical habits of the Indians, who, notwithstanding all the 
changes, vicissitudes and political revolutions, have stood 
apart, projected a shadow that could not but exercise its 
influence on the balance of the inhabitants of the country, 
as they (the Indians) formed the larger portion of the in- 



habitants. This influence is now being neutralized by socia^ 
energy, by means of travel, by the inducements offered by 
the present age, by intercommunication, and partly also 
by immigration of Europeans and Americans. Although 
not being so numerous, energetic and industrious for- 
eign colonies are rapidly increasing in the country, their 
principal vocations being commerce, agriculture and busi- 
ness of all kinds. 

Out of the total number of natives more than two- 
thirds are Indians, who, in some distri cts, especially in 
those nearest the centres of population, have undergone 
changes by the crossing of the races in different degrees. 
Although strenuous efforts have been made to form 
an accurate census, we could not venture to say that it has 
been obtained, as the suspiciousness of the Indians places 
difficulties and, at times, unsurmountable obstacles in the 
way of the officers in charge. 

The preponaering race possesses all the aptitude ne- 
cessary to acquire science, the arts and industries, and are 
not foreign to the ways that form modern culture. In all 
the different branches of knowledge they reveal education, 
and taste for arts, and in many instances an extraordinary 
facility for skillful labor. Refinement, good manners and 
sound practical sense place Guatemala amongst the most 
cultured countries of the new world. All the books, pub- 
lications, fashions, and other educational resources of Eu- 
- ropean civilization reach the country rapidly. Public 
wealth is daily increasing, and there is an untiring effort 
to 1 ealize all the improvements that the age requires. 

Their habits are generally temperate, their necessities 
few and the climate such, that it is easy for them to obtain 
life's sustenance. Good faith is the predominent point in 
business transactions, there being but few cases of de- 
liberate failure or swindle, Wealth inspires respect an4 



no individual or party wishes, to change the actual state 
of affairs. Capital and labor disputes which agitate other 
countries do not exist there; neither do ill feelings or 
spite form a feature of the inhabitants. Property can be 
easily acquired and by perseverance in the different 
branches of agriculture, industry, etc., etc., one is sure 
of success. 

Although, as civilization advances, vices have been 
brought into the country, still confidence and safety on 
the highways and in the cities have not disappeared, 
and only in time of political disturbances have travelers 
been molested; but in most cases, tfrs has been done by 
either foreign adventurers or by fugitives from justice. 

Immigration has been sought after for many years; 
but it has been impossible to appropriate the necessary 
iund for the accomplishment of this end, or the establish- 
ment of interior services, such as the present age de- 
mands. Nevertheless, foreign immigration is constantly 
coming in^ and it generally meets with success in its 
different pursuits. 

The Indians do not advance as rapidly as the whites 
or Ladinos. They are principally engaged in farming 
and in small commercial enterprises in the interior, 
earning with ease their livelihood, avoiding all possible 
over-work, following their daily passive routine and 
generally without showing any desire to be mixed into 
the general movements of the country. 

The efforts of the governement to instill into the 
Indians new customs, showing them new paths to suc- 
cess, have been met with but little reward, due to their 
systematic ways and unchangeable proclivities and ideas. 

This condition of affairs does not exist amongst the 
entire Indian population. Those who have been thrown 
in direct contact with active society develop an aston- 



ishing amount of energy which is not noted at a super- 
ficial examination of the race; this activity and intelligence 
is more remarkable amongst the women. Still there weighs 
upon the race certain natural habits which have a tendency 
to separate them from what is not their centre or is not 
in accordance with their peculiar traditions 

The natives of the high and cold regions are more 
vigorous, wide awake and intelligent. The race is kind 
hearted, respectful and simple. They are harmless unless 
provoked, living regardless of the future in homo- 
genous groups, without any preoccupations and preserv- 
ing their dialects and customs intact. 

The Ladinos and Indians are two distinct classes; 
the former march ahead with hope and energy through 
the paths which have been laid out by progress; the 
latter, immovable, do not take any part in the political 
and intellectual life, adhering tenaciously to their old 
habits and customs. The Indians do not cooperate 
actively in the progress of civilization, neither do they 
resist it. Notwithstanding, they furnish all the necessary 
work to make the soil productive, and this alone creates 
the national wealth. 



* # 



14 



Natural richness of the country. 

Without any boast whatsoever, Guatemala is one of 
the most productive and most endowed countries by 
nature, and possesses immense conditions to stimulate 
enterprise. 

The facts we have heretofore referred to, and 
Guatemala having so long remained isolated from the 
outward world, being thus unable to avail itself of the 
trade now carried on the Atlantic, and finally, society 
having failed to instill in the minds of the Indians any 
ambition whatever to cooperate in the development of 
the resources of the commonwealth, a consequence of 
their few and easily covered wants, have retarded its 
progress, and prevented also a conscientious study of the 
means we should have adopted in order to avail our- 
selves of our extensive and varied elements. 

The North and South seas produce an immense 
quantity of fish and moluscs of different classes. Fish 
are also found in the majority of the lakes and deep 
rivers. Game exists in abundance on the plains and 
mountains; timber of superior quality and of all kinds is 
to be found in the inexhaustible forests of the North, 
South and West; fruits of the best kinds, such as pine, 
apple, anona, ingerto, zapotc, guanaba, jocote and thou- 
sands of others can be found and are produced without 
cultivation or attention, as also oranges, lemons, bananas, 
aguacate, fig bananas, el nancy, and the palm. Medic- 
inal shrubs, barks, rattans and textile fibres which, 
some day, will give to industry a valuable trade are alsc 
found. Mines of gold, zinc, copper, iron, silver, quick 
silver, coal, antimony, silica, marble, mica, talc and other 
minerals and salts also exist. 



J 5 

There are other elements which some day will 
be the means of industries and sound speculations, such 
as the different colored birds, insects and flowers, the 
forests, rivers, small lakes and springs, all of which form 
a most recreative sight. Guatemala, therefore, has on its 
soil all the attactiveness requisite for those who are 
anxious to better their condition. 

During the search for a passage between the two 
oceans, Guatemala was the metropolis of the Capitania 
General of Central America, until the discoveries of rich 
and abundant mines in Peru and Mexico drew attention 
towards them; afterwards this region was considered a 
country of less importance, and the wars inflicted by the 
pirates, which caused so much damage to the Spanish 
Colonies, obliged them to locate far away from the dan- 
gers, against which there was no advantage to be derived 
by fighting. Besides, the native population, no matter as 
to what extent its assistance was necessary to the govern- 
ing race, formed its establishments in the south, and 
took no active interest in society. 

As soon as Central America obtained its indepen- 
dence, Guatemala in particular carried on all of her 
principal business by the Pacific. Central America being 
small in conparison with Mexico, Peru, the Argentine 
Republic,Colombia and Brazil, the attention of diplomats 
and foreign economists was naturally drawn towards 
these countries. The United States of North America, 
whose immense resources attracted the general atten- 
tion through the Press and invited immigration, seldom 
mentioned other countries where hospitality, prosperity 
and riches could be found by the surplus population or 
tradesmen of the Old World. 

The great republic of the North having been popu- 
lated to a certain extent, emulation opened the ports of 
the Republics of the Argentine, Peru, Chile and Uruguay 



i6 

to the European immigrants, whose instincts, made them 
look for temperate climes which were more in accordance 
with those of their own country. 

The exchange with the exterior, not only of our 
ideas but also of our goods was limited indeed; and the 
scantiness of the intelligent population, compelled us 
to devote all our attention to cover our immediate wants. 

These countries were not properly known until lately, 
when historians and geographers began to study them 
seriously. Works which were published here and writ- 
ings sent to the press, were looked upon in Europe as 
fictitious. Even today, people of high rank and education 
do not know that Guatemala, during the hottest months 
of summer of our Western hemisphere, in the days of the 
solstice, enjoys a temperature equal to that of Spring in 
Paris and Vienna, during the month of May. This is not 
only confined to one place, but is extended to a section 
of at least 2000 square leagues, where all the fruits of a 
temperate zone are grown. 

The causes which determine the ease of sustenance, 
the disproportion between nature rich and abundant, and 
the labor applied, makes it impossible to turn ones ener- 
gies to the undertaking of many things at once. 

The people have purely devoted their attention to 
agriculture, mineral pursuits, and such industries which 
with by small efforts produce large results. The forests 
and mines are of great wealth; but the greatest resource 
of the country is in its soil, which in all sections of the 
country is excessively productive; so much so in fact, 
that certain districts are so rich that for ages to come 
they cannot be rendered unproductive. Such is the com- 
position of the agricultural districts, valleys and plains, 
that some of them are constantly irrigated by floods from 
the high mountains. There are also extensive territories 
in which no manure is necessary, and their cultivation 
can be carried on without any doubt as to the result, 



n 



Native Products. 

One of the most remarkable advantages which the 
territory of the Republic offers, consists in the different 
elevations, the form and inclination of the plains, the 
varied climates, and a succession of favorable conditions 
which not only allow the raising of fruits of the torrid 
zone, but also those of the temperate. In the same 
manner as domestic animals have been acclimated, trees, 
plants, flowers and shrubs have aJso been. 

One can also find in the valleys of the Antigua 
Guatemala and in the higher lands, peaches, plums, 
cherries, pears, apples, and other fruits,which, if properly 
cultivated, would be of an excellent quality. In the same 
localities all the fruits of Southern Eurooe,the vegetables 
of the cold and temperate regions, as well as coffee, can 
be raised with success at an elevation of 1600 metres; but 
coffee is also cultivated here in regions lower than those 
pointed out by authorities on coffee planting and by 
planters; and on the Eastern coast, good coffee grows at 
an elevation of 400 metres, but shade is necessary for 
the trees and they do not live as long. 

Not only are there great varieties of climates and 
elevations, but there is a possibility in many localities of 
laising products which would seem to necessitate sundry 
and even antagonistic requirements. 

Rice of a superior class is produced in the Western 
portion of the Republic. Wheat, oats and barley are 
raised on the higher plains, and beans and corn as well 
as all vegetables are produced in all parts of the country; 
the better qualities being found in the colder regions. 
The essential necessaries of life are easily raised and 
the production is more than is necessary; but there is a 



certain scarcity of wheat, rice and other fruits, caused 
by the limited amount of labor, which is principally 
directed towards the cultivation of the coffee and sugar, 
which at present command a very high price abroad. 

In certain latitudes of both shores, two crops of corn 
can be raised in less than one year. Sugar cane is raised 
in the lower countries and also at an elevation of 1000 
metres, but in the latter it does not ripen as quickly. 

There are abundant places where cocoa, cotton, to- 
bacco and rubber are cultivated on a small scale. Rubber 
and other gums are to be found in virgin forests. 

To a certain extent tallow and vegetable wax have 
been exported, gaining high estimation in foreign 
markets. 

The fields and pastures for cattle are of considerable 
importance, and they will be more so when commercial 
facilities exist along the immediate coast. 

The articles of exportation are: dye-woods, rubber, 
metals, a small amount of construction wood, sugar, 
hides, and principally coffee. — Last year Guatemala 
produced 678,000 cwts. of coffee. 

Enterprises continue to increase, and, should there 
be a scarcity of coffee in the West, this would be over- 
come by the production of the North, which has a soil 
particularly adapted to coffee and labor. 

Besides raising cattle, we also raise horses and sheep, 
and we have endeavored to improve the breeds in every 
manner by crossing them with imported stock. 

The wool which is produced is used in the small 
industries of the country. 

Attempts have been made to cultivate olives, but 
ineffectually. 

Grapes have been cultivated, only on a small scale, in 
Salama and Huehuetenango and in other highs latitudes, 



19. 

The raising of cattle, hogs and domestic fowl also 
forms one of the industries. 

Guatemala is limited in extent compared with other 
states of the North and South, but there is, however 
sufficient land for a population much larger than that 
which exists at present. 

The actual productions of a country should be in 
proportion to the amount of work performed and to its 
natural resources. This country's resources are in such 
abundance that they are capable of creating great wealth. 
The soil returns with great, interest all which is intrusted 
to its care. 

The seasons are regular and the farmer can depend 
upon the results of his crop, which cannot be said of 
other climes. 

During the dry season, which is less than half of the 
year, near the coasts, the effects of the season are miti- 
igated by an abundant dew; so much so that the trees 
of the forests never lose their foliage, neither does nature 
relinguish its active creative work. 

The wealth of the country to-day is the result prin- 
cipally of agriculture, and in this branch there still 
remains an immense field for exploitation; there also 
exists a great reserve of prime matters of industry, 
such as mines, forests, salts, chemical and medicinal 
plants and a thousand others which are still open to the 
enterprise of a much larger population. 

Between the production and the consumption, the 
debit and credit of the republic, there appears a balance 
in its favor, which is brought about by the exportation 
of coffee, and which would be still greater if greater 
attention was directed to the manufacture of articles of 
prime necessity which we partly import at the present 
time. From the benefits of exportation we realize an 
exchange which satisfies all our social demands. 



20 



Industry and Commerce. 

The causes we have so often referred to, will explain 
the unalluring condition of the great industries of the 
country. There is only one cotton factory of importance: 
the manufacture of paper has met with but little success; 
Crockery is manufactured in abundance, but not of such a 
quality as would allow it to compete with the better 
grades Of foreign countries. Smelting and the construc- 
tion of machinery are proving that satisfactory results 
may be obtained if steadily continued. Woolen and leather 
goods are yet of an inferior quality. A general tendency to 
improvement is, however, noticeable in all the various 
branches of industry, the factors of this improvement 
being the abundance of natural elements, and, moreover, 
the special aptitude and intelligence of the natives to 
adopt -and carry outall the improvements made by other 
countries of far more territorial and political importance. 
: - In the arts and trades of life, greater improvements 
are daily noticeable. Tradesmen, as a rule, are very 
skillful,and a great many articles manufactured in our 
wbrk-shops, so far as taste and durability are concerned, 
are in no way inferior to those coming from abroad. 
There' are some very good work-shops in the lines of 
carpentering, cabinet-making, silver-smithing, black- 
smithing, tailoring, shoe-making, watch-making, tin 
smithing, and highly appreciated articles are made of 
other metals. : Masonry, too, is very far advanced. 
Amongst the Ladinos and also amongst the Indians 
some remarkable Works of ceramics are found, as also 
works in the art of colour-printing, in wood-carving 
and in stone. Carriages and vehicles of several kinds 
are manufactured in the country, and also tasty-silk 



2t 

scarfs and wraps, straw hats, matting, bricks and 
tiles, tools and utensils of every description, all proving 
the skill of the natives. Alcohol, extracted from the 
sugar cane and several fruits, is manufactured. There are 
several printing establishments and book binderies. 

The Government has established four schools of 
arts and trades in the principal cities, and is trying 
to found one in the capital of each department, well 
knowing that the seeds of knowledge will produce ex- 
cellent results. 

The trade of the interior is very active, especially in 
the central and western departments. Foreign trade is 
carried on principally with the United States, England, 
Germany and France, their products arriving at the 
southern ports of San Jose, Champerico and Ocos, and 
at the northern port of Livingston. 

The imports, among others, are beer, wines and 
liquors, oils, petroleum, manufactured and leaf tobacco, 
preserves, chemical products, perfumery, paper and 
writing materials, books, glass, marble, instruments of 
arts and sciences, blank and fire arms, fine crockery, 
pianos, railroad materials, spices, machinery, electrical 
appliances, carriages, fancy goods, laces, silks, linen, 
wool and cotton goods and flour. 

The arrivals of steamships and sailing vessels in 
1892 were as follows: 

San Jose, 157 steamers and 14 sailing vessels: 

Champerico, 151 „ ,, 12 „ ,. 

Ocos,. 55 „ „ 7 „ „ 

The steamers imported 625,971 packages through 
said ports, and the sailing vessels, 123,486. 

During the same year, 1892, 78 small steamers and 
9 sailing vessels arrived at the port of Livingston, carry- 
ing 101,825 packages. All these vessels flied either the 
American, the English, or the German flags, the majority 
sailing under the American colors. 



22 

During the course of the last few years commerce 
has been developed to an extraordinary extent, and this 
is due to the growing wealth of the country and to the 
increase in the number of inhabitants, all leading a 
comfortable life. 

Moreover: the taste, not only for useful articles in 
the way of subsistence and comfort, but also for those of 
recreation, art, science and luxury is rapidly increasing. 
In public as well as in private life, communication with 
the outside world is constantly on the increase, bringing 
as a natural consequence the inclinations and progress 
that are the distinctives of the age. 

Means of Communication. 

An extensive net-work of Telegraphic lines connects 
the most important ports, cities and towns of the country. 
To this net-work, of telegraphic lines there corresponds a 
system of highways, yet incomplete, although the work has 
been pushed with great energy during the last few years. 

The"Ferrocarril Central" is the best railroad ever built 
in Central America, and the best supplied with all kind of 
elements and resources. It crosses the coast at Escuintla, 
ascending the slope of the great volcanoes, and then it runs 
along the coast of the picturesque lake of Amatitlan, over a 
solid stone embankment. 

Two great companies, the "Pacific Mail," American, 
and the"Kosmos," German, are the principal agents of trade 
and exchange on the Pacific Coast. The national Treasury 
has always subsidized the former and occasionally the latter 
with a view of encouraging exports, and so that correspond- 
ence and trade might be carried on with regularity. 

The protection to the railroads has largely contributed 
to facilitate communication and to establish a more energetic 
current of life between Guatemala and other countries abroad. 



n 

Guatemala now takes an active part in all modern 
improvements and means of advancement; it has acquired 
a better knowledge of the outside world and is making itself 
known by rapid communications and by its press, its 
literature, and customs, means through which modern 
civilization bring together men and nations, animated by a 
common spirit and following common pursuits. 

Guatemala for a long time was obliged to use the cable 
established at "La Libertad," a town of Salvador, but this was 
a cause of delay, to the detriment very often of trade and 
private interests, as the telegraphic • line over which the 
messages were transmitted to the office was very long and 
exposed to interruptions. Both, on account of these drawbacks 
and wishing to obtain the inestimable advantage of posses- 
ing adequate means of our own, a telegraphic service has 
been organized at the port of San Jose, and at present this 
important improvement is now accomplished. 

The facility of communication now existing with the 
interior is a valuable source of promoting the diffusion of 
knowledge and cf raising the level of other sections of the 
country, which, on account of their isolation had remained 
stagnant heretofore. Guatemala, posessing so many means of 
production, and so many articles of prime necessity, will be- 
come a cheaper market with the increase of cultivation, and, 
the producer will find an additional stimulus for his energy 
in the safety of consumption. 

Telegraphic lines now connect the Republic with the 
other Central American States and with the United Mexican 
States. 

Political Institutions. 

The country is now governed by the new political code 
sanctioned by the Constituent Assembly of 1879, and partly 
reformed in 1885. Individual rights and political liberty 



24 

are recognized and guaranteed by this new code in all their 
extent, and no barriers of any kind are placed to the free 
manifestations of conscience and thought. The public press 
is not subject to any previous censure, and no pecuniary 
deposit is required to publish 'any kind of newspaper, book, 
pamphlet or loose article, whatever. The exercise of the 
democratic principles consigned in the law is now taking a 
practical shape, and said principles are being embodied in 
the social habits, customs and manners of life. All the in- 
habitants, natives as well as foreigners, may acquire and 
transmit property, follow any trade, open any kind of estab- 
lishment, and adopt any pursuit whatever, there being no 
difference between the former and the latter as to the en- 
joyment of civil rights. 

As a result of the favorable changes in the habits of the 
people, all rights recognized by the law are now receiving a 
more practical application. Public authorities are chosen 
by universal suffrage. All native and naturalized Guatemal- 
eans of 21 years of age enjoy the right of suffrage. Instruction 
at the public schools is free, and their attendance is made 
obligatory: military service is likewise obligatory for all cit- 
izens, and exemption from it may only be obtained by paying 
a certain amount of money. 

Foreigners must obey the general laws and the police 
regulations; but they are not obliged to pay any special im- 
posts or forced loans, or are they subject to military 
service, or to accept public employments. There are no class 
privileges, no titles nor decorations of nobility, nor does the 
fact of possessing such titles granted by other countries, 
confer any preference before the law. 

The Guatemalans cannot accept any political charge 
or employment from any foreign country without the consent 
of the Government of the Republic, 



2 5 

The electors, provided they do not belong to any 
ecclesiastical order, are eligible to the highest public offices. 

Civil marriage is established in the country, and public 
registries of property, birth and deaths, and of the state of 
persons are kept by public functionaries. 

Political Organization of the Republic. 

The Legislative, Executive and Judicial Powers are 
the organs of the State to govern the Country. 

The Legislative power is vested in a House or Assembly, 
renewed by halves, every two years. This Assembly ap- 
points in each one of its sessions its own President, Vice-Presi- 
dent and Secretaries. It meets on the ist of March, and its 
sessions last two months, but they may be extended for an 
other thirty days. Congress may also be called to extra- 
sessions, whenever any business of urgent resolution should 
so require it. 

The Executive is vested in a President, who is elected 
directly by the people: his term of office runs for six years, 
and he is not re-eligible for the next term. He is assisted by 
six Secretaries, who, in some cases have a consolidated res- 
ponsibility. These Secretaries are in charge of the Depart- 
ments of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Justice, Public 
Works, War, Treasury and Public Instruction. 

The Judiciary is composed of a Chief Justice and a 
Supreme Court, three departments of appeals in the Capital, 
cne in Quezaltenango, another in Jala.pa, each one having 
its own Attorney General. There are four courts of the first 
instance in Guatemala, three in Quezaltenango, two in San 
Marcos, and one in each of the remaining nineteen depart- 
ments. In each Municipality there is a Justice of the Peace. 

The term of office of the Judges is four years. The 
Superior Judges are chosen by election, and in case of their 



26 

resignation, or of there being a vacancy for any cause what- 
soever, their succesors are appointed by the Assembly. 
The judges of the first instance and the justices of the peace 
are chosen by the Executive power, from a ternary proposed 
by ths Chief Justice. 

The Council of State is an auxiliary body. The Govern- 
ment may call for its advice in all matters of importance or 
questions affecting the country's interests. It is formed of 
nine members, five elected by the Assembly, the other four 
being appointed by the Executive. 

The Assembly appoints a permanent commission which 
attends to all matters prescribed by the law, when the 
Assembly has closed its sessions. 

The President has the right to veto any bill within ten 
days after its approval: but he must give the reasons there- 
fore, and then the bill will only produce its legal effects, if it 
is approved by a two thirds vote of the Assembly. 

Congress, before closing its annual sessions appoints 
two of its members, who, following the order of their nomi- 
nation, shall assume the Executive power in case of death 
or inhability of the President of the Republic to act. 

Each municipal territory established by the laws has a 
council or corporation, which exercises administrative func- 
tions. This council is composed of members in such num- 
bers as may correspond to the census of the territory. 

For the fulfillment of the political, administrative, civil 
and military administration of the country, its territory has 
been divided into twenty-six departments. In each one of 
these, there is a Mayor, invested with all the various func- 
tions of the Executive power; also a Judge of the first 
Instance, and all the employes required for the discharge 
pf the duties connected with these different branches. 

The courts of Justice are free from the intervention of 
any strange power or functionary, whatsoever. There are 



no special jurisdictions as to points of law or fact, for any 
class of society, except in matters concerning the army 
which are specified in the military code. Nevertheless, 
the consent of the Assembly is required for the impeach- 
ment of the Representatives and the other high functionaries 
mentioned in the law relating thereto. The President of 
the Republic has a right to reprieve and pardon, subject to 
the restrictions prescribed by law. There are two courts of 
the first instance, a court of appeal, and a court of error, 
(casaciori). 

Juries are only impaneled in suits where the press is 
concerned. 

After the political movement of 187 1, the old codes were 
altered, and substituted by others more in accordance with 
the requirement of modern times. Experience, and a careful 
examination of their diverse dispositions have brought about 
some changes afterwards. 

The Code of procedure, and the penal, fiscal, military 
and commercial codes have recently been sanctioned and 
promulgated. In the civil code, amongst many other im- 
portant reforms,we find the establishment of a public record 
of property and of the civil registry, systems now generally 
followed by all nations. 

Although the codes have occasionally been changed, 
their practical application produced excellent results in the 
administration of public arTairs, and also in maintaining due 
respect to all private right. In accordance with their re- 
quirements some organical laws have been passed, and others 
will shortly be approved. 

Special rules and regulations have recently been passed 
as to the usage of public lands and forrestries, their im- 
provements, and as to the way of acquiring any of the 
sources of public wealth. Natives and foreigners alike, 
have a fullright to denounce and acquire public lands to 
a limited extent, which are sold at public auction to the 
highest bidder. 



2§ 



Public Education. 

Education is one of the branches of improvement of 
the people at large, to which the Government of Guatemala 
has dedicated its special attention. In the Capital, as well 
as in Quezaltenango, the State has already established spe- 
cial schools of law, medicine and pharmacy, endowing each 
one with voluminous and select libraries. It has also founded 
a school for Engineers, a Polytechnic college for those fol- 
lowing a military career, a Commercial school, an Academy 
of Fine Arts, a Normal school for young women aspiring to 
be teachers, also a school for young men, incorporated with 
the Central Institute; and, finally, a well organized Conser- 
vatory of Music. 

There are several public institutes in which secondary 
or the higher grades of education are given gratuitously. 
There are two establishments of this kind for young girls in 
Guatemala and Quezaltenango and three fur young men, 
besides one, in Chiquimula. All the establishments of 
the higher branches of knowledge, and also the special 
and high schools are liberally endowed with their respective 
corps of professors, tuition rooms, laboratories, materials 
and everything required to accomplish their ends and object. 
Professorship improves as it goes on acquiring more effi- 
ciency. 

Primary tuition is given in schools of the first and 
secondary grades. In 1892 there were in the Republic 1284 
schools for boys and girls; 25 new ones have been added, 
making in all 1309 schools, with a daily attendance of fifty 
thousand pupils, a figure not yet up to the mark expected 
by the Government. The negligence of parents in the 
Indian towns and their apathy to education have to be 
overcome by strenuous efforts. 



2 9 

The number of teachers is yet deficient, and this is to 
be attributed to the want of inclination in young people to 
embrace this career, as they can with greater facility earn 
their livelihood in other avocations of life. 

The people contribute to the support of public educa- 
tion with a yearly amount of nearly one million and a half 
dollars. 

In order to facilitate the education of the working 
classes, night schools have been organized in several cities, 
and also public libraries, which are endowed by private 
donations and by State appropriations. 

In the schools of Arts and Trades, a general education 
is given, besides any special instruction required. 

In the City of Guatemala, there is a fine national lib- 
rary, in which, besides a large amount of books, there are 
several valuable collections of documents and inedite works. 
Ln this library the public archives of the country are also kept. 

Charitable Institutions. 

Proper attention, well in keeping with the requirements 
of the time and the philanthropical ideas of the people is 
given to the Charitable institutions. 

The Capital of the Republic has a general hospital, 
an insane asylum, a sanitarium, a hospital for epidemic 
diseases, an orphan asylum and a refuge for children. The 
military hospital, a remarkable institution of recent date, 
is situated outside of the city and is built in a well ven- 
tilated and picturesque valley. . In Quezaltenango, la 
Antigua, Amatitlan, Escuintla, Chiquimula, Coban and 
other departments there are likewise hospitals, and the 
Government is contemplating the establishment of others 
in all or almost all the cities of the Republic, 



3° 



Department of Public Safety. 

The Police force has been established years ago in 
Guatemala, Quezaltenango, Chiquimula, la Antigua, Jalapa, 
Amatitlan, Totonicapan, and Retahuleu. It is also intended 
to establish a force of rural guards for the high-ways. 

Public Works and Improvements, 

The improvements and material progress lately carried 
out are remarkable. Besides the telegraphic lines, railroads, 
bridges, highways, municipal buildings and school-houses, 
educational institutes, and High and Special schools, there 
have been built hospitals, penitentiaries, buildings for the 
Departments' offices, important buildings for the command- 
ers of ports at San Jose and Champerico, and others for the 
postal and telegraphic services. 

The southern ports have good piers for loading and 
unloading, and are provided with steam machinery, and 
all the necessary appliances for the work and operations of 
the custom-houses. 

The old palace of la Antigua has been reconstructed, 
and public-parks have been opened in the Capital and other 
cities. The theatre of Guatemala is a building that cer- 
tainly corresponds to the culture of the city: in Quezalte- 
nango another theatre is being built which will also corres- 
pond to the taste and social wants of the most populous and 
wealthy city of the West. The necessities of recreation and 
of having a place of ease and comfort for the public, has 
induced the Governement to construe a park at the South 
end of the city of Guatemala, known as "La Reforma": it is 
being pushed with great activity. A hippodrome is to be 
built near this park, to alternate in the races, with the 



3"* 

hippodrome of Jocotenango in the North. In keeping with 
the progress of public works, we may mention the elegance 
which many private individuals are Showing in the construc- 
tion and ornamentation of their dwellings. Guatemala, and 
Quezaltenango, especially have been improved by the erec- 
tion of solid, beautiful and ornamental buildings. 

All the elements ot social life have increased extra- 
ordinarily in Guatemala: a considerable number of carriages 
and tramways traversing the principal streets, impart great 
animation to the City, facilitating communications for 
business transactions and for social enjoyments. The Capi- 
tal of the Republic is a beautiful city, with streets at right 
angles, grand squares, electrical lighting, pretty parks, 
numerous buildings, remarkable churches, and many other 
institutions proving its advanced culture. 



Mail and Telegraphic Service B 

All the towns are in frequent postal communication 
amongst themselves. The Government has entered into 
contracts with private companies, or has provided in a direct 
manner the means to extend private and commercial inter- 
course Post-offices have been organized according to the 
modern systems, following the plans of the Postal Union. 

In order to show the improvements that have been 
made in this branch alone and the development of enter- 
prise, it will suffice to say that in 1885, more than one 
million four hundred and forty nine thousand, six hundred 
and thirty three (1.449,633) pieces of all kinds of national 
and foreign mail matter were circulated; and two millions 
nine hundred and ninety eight thousand, nine hundred and 
twenty four (2,998,924), in 1892. 



The number of Post offices has been considerably in- 
creased, and both the interior and the foreign service have 
been improved. » 

In the telegraphic service we notice the same proportion 
of increase and a similar progress. In 1885, the telegrams 
transmitted amounted to three hundred and twenty one 
thousand,, eight hundred and fifty four (321,854), and, in 
1892, to six hundred and twenty three hundred, five hundred 
and five (623,505). The service both of the Post and of 
the Telegraph is of the very best and complete 

Up to the present all cablegrams had to be transmitted 
by the offices either at La Libertad, in the Republic of Sal- 
vador, or through Mexico. Hereafter the Republic will 
have its own telegraph offices, in the port of San Jose\ 

The postal service with foreign countries is carried on 
both oceans: on the Atlantic by the way of Livingston to 
New Orleans, and on the Pacific, through all the ports, by 
the merchant steamers. The mail as well as the telegraph, 
offer all the guarantees of safety that those services require. 

Diplomatic and Consular Corps. 

Guatemala has legations accredited to the United 
States of America, Mexico, France, England, Spain and 
Portugal. There are Consular Agents in Germany, Austria, 
Belgium, Spain, France, England, Italy, Chile, Hayti, Colom- 
bia, Ecuador, United States, Honduras, Mexico, Venezuela, 
Costa Rica and Peru. There are also Consuls General in 
all of said nations, except Chile, Hayti and Ecuador. The 
countries having diplomatic representatives in Guatemala, 
are: Germany, United States of America, Spain, France, 
England, Italy, Mexico, and Belgium. Consular service: 
Germany, Belgium^ Spain, France, England, Bolivia, Chile, 



33 
Denmark, Colombia, United States of America, Ecuador, 
Honduras, Mexico, Peru, the Argentine Republic, Vene- 
zuela, Switzerland, and Sweden -Norway. 

Department of War. 



The Secretary of War has undertaken some important 
reforms in the military organization. The service is general 
and compulsory, except for those, who, on account of some 
deficiency are exempt by law, or who pays a stipulated 
amount. It is done by drawings, and for the term of six 
months. Target-shooting is practiced by the regular 
troops as well as by the reserve. The drilling of the 
officers is performed in the military academies and on the 
drilling-grounds. Privates, besides their duties are obliged 
to attend to the schools established in their respective regi- 
ments. Sham-battles, with large bodies of troops have been 
succesfully practiced. 

The Polytechnic school has been reorganized, the pupils 
receiving very remarkable and careful military training 
there. Last year some military workshops were established 
in the Penitentiary of the Capital. The armament is in 
good condition and is of the modern type. A medical mili- 
tary corps has also been organized. And, although new 
buildings were constructed and other indispensable expenses 
were incurred, the military output of 1892 w T as less than 
that of 1 89 1. 

According to the present organization of the army, it is 
composed of 495 Commanding officers, 3263 Officers, and 
53,903 men. The effective force on a peace standing 
amounts to say 3697 men, including officers and privates, 



34 



Finances. 

The Treasury derives its revenue from the following 
sources: the income on liquors; fiscal duties on imports and 
exports; stamped paper and revenue stamps; taxes on real 
.estate; taxes on roads; exemption from military service; taxes 
on live stock, flour, salt, inheiitances, sales and on dona- 
tions of immovable property; fines and confiscations, sale of 
vacant lands, pawn shops, and the Mail and Telegraphic 
service. 

The egress of expenses during the fiscal year from 
July ist, 1892, to June 30th, 1893, amounted to $9,086,- 
000*82. The estimate was calculated on a somewhat smaller 
amount; but it does not comprise the Tents destined to the 
construction of the Northern Railroad. The estimated 
official expenditures from July ist, 1893, to June 3d, 1894, 
should sum up to $9,086,000 82. 

* The public or national debt up to the 31st of Decem- 
ber, 1892, amounted to $17,115,284*41, in which sum are 
included the arrears for salaries of public officers, pending 
obligations and the floating debt; also the internal debt, 
ascending to $6,195,600, and the foreign debt amounting to 
say $4,480,000. 

The Government has fulfilled all the engagements it 
has entered into to pay the interests of its debt, up to the 
30th of June of this year. From the 31st of December, 
1 89 1, up to the same date, 1892, said debt was reduced by 
one million of dollars. 

A Committee has been appointed for the service of the 
foreign debt: this Committee deals directly with the bond- 
holders in London; the payment of interests and the draw- 
ings of the internal debt are made monthly. 



35 



Summary, 

Guatemala is a region of commendable conditions un- 
der whatever aspect she may be considered: a rich soil in 
the lowlands, in the intermediate and also in the highlands, 
it offers a promising fertility, and the best results to labor 
An industrious farmer may select any climate suitable to 
his inclinations, and almost any place where he chooses to 
exact from nature the repayment of his energy. 

The cultivation of the fruits of the temperate zones, 
cereals principally, is carried on the high plateaus: The 
cultivation of the products of the torrid zone, on the low- 
lands and on the coast. The middle altitudes, as if combin- 
ing in themselves all the vigour and strength of the 
others, often present all the fertility and productiveness of 
the whole. 

Nature is such a powerful factor here that 
it always brings forth with interest that which 
is intrusted to her care. But the scantiness 
of population is a great obstacle in the way of produc- 
tion, as is also the facility by which great results are obtain- 
able, by simply using the easiest means and the most pri- 
mitive modes of cultivation, there being no stimulus pro- 
ceeding either from want or competition; nevertheless; 
social capacity shows itself in a very forcible manner in 
every business it undertakes and in every work it puts its 
hands to. 

The cultivation of coffee and the sugar-cane is care ? 
fully performed, as also that of cocoa and wheat. By the 
impulse and the perfecting tendencies of the workman, li- 
beral arts are progressing. In order to present a respec- 
table show in the statistics of civilized countries, Guatemala 



is now taking a great interest in every branch of industry. 
Refinement in social manners, tastes and inclinations, a 
well noticeable spirit of hospitality, the modes of life, habits, 
dress and the adoption of every improvement in the general 
character and motives, of tha people, place Guatemala with- 
in the pale of modern progress and modern exigencies. 

The increase of social intercourse within the country is 
in keeping with the relations carried on with foreign coun- 
tries by means of correspondence, the study of their customs 
and habits,and the exact knowledge of different events; book g 
on all subjects are perused by students and all professional 
men, and the remarkable tendency to adopt all modern im- 
provements is a fact well noticeable throughout all classes 
of society. 

In Europe, and likewise in America, capital and labour 
are antagonistical to each other; in the old world the pro- 
ductive forces are now overwhelming the economical resour- 
ces, and in A .nerica, production is far ahead of the wants 
and the nnmber of the people; Guatemala, for this reason 
will undoubtedly be one of the countiies that will most at- 
tract the attention of workmen and labourers when it be- 
comes well known abroad. 

We can not and will not promise to the foreign work- 
man or laborer any great results, unless he works for them ; 
neither shall we offer such novelistic changes of fortune as 
is proffered by other countries. 

False and imaginary perspectives have too often been 
the cause of the disenchantment of all those who sought 
prosperity in the very fact of trading on American soil. 
But leaving aside all seductive promises and strictly adher- 
ing to what is true, we may promise to the honest and 
skilled labourer, unquestionable advantages not only 
for himself, but also for the people who receive him. 



37 
In latitudes where the sweat of their brow and all 
their sacrifices are almost useless, and where an un- 
productive soil and a dry atmosphere sterilize or diminish 
the value of their work, agriculturers well know what a bless- 
ing it would be to them to possess a soil returning with com- 
pound interest the seed intrusted to its care, regular seasons 
tfhat never deeeive, porportionate heat and humidity, and 
winds and rain all coming in due time. There, it is na- 
ture herself who demands a greater activity frcm man, pre- 
senting to him here, fertility, periodical rains and productive 
grounds easily workable; the tree is podded and sends forth 
sprouts with inexhaustable vigor, the water courses carry 
slime in their currents to replace losses and waste; and if, 
besides utility, the imagination should require grace and 
beauty, it can recreate itself in the paradisial tableaux 
of the eternally green forests, in the woods always producing 
wild fruits and animated by all kinds of birds remarkable 
for the great beauty of their plumage and music. 

There are rivers always shaded by large trees on their 
borders; lines of volcanoes, giant like, watching over the 
independence of the country. 

Socially we never see those painful and desolating 
scenes of misery of other countries: begging is hardly 
known. There are no obstacles in the way of those who 
wish to climb to the pinnacle of social life, providing the 
aspirant carries along with him, his luggage of good faith, 
honesty of purpose, and perservering energy. Neither 
the highway nor the bye-passes present any dangers to tra- 
velers, nor do the political changes take those sombre 
aspects that foreigners are lead to believe they do, nor do 
the laws put any obstacles to the free manifestations of ideas, 
or anycompulsion on matters of conscience. 

The country at large presents great inducements to 



33 
the European agriculturist and tradesman, and immigration 
is the eag^r wish of the foreseeing statesman. Through 
all the enterprises of any importance, the Government has 
procured to form a current of immigration, which bringing 
wich it, vigor and energy, might cooperate to the wealth 
of the Republic. The Atlantic Railroad is a medium to 
approximate Europe and America to Guatemala; it reduces 
the distance of the line now travelled in a lower latitude, 
by about four hundred leagues. Whilst a work of such 
vast importance in every sencse, especially from an eco- 
nomical view, is being completed, other means are being 
employed to show the deep interest taken in immigration. 

In August, 1891, when the contract of the Pacific 
steamers was entered into, between the Department of 
Fomento and Mr. J. H. Leverich, the special agent of the 
company, it was stipulated that the steamers would carry 
from the terminus of their line to Guatemala , the 
mechanics and agriculturists and all others wishing to 
immigrate to the Republic, up to the number of twenty- 
five, on each trip, and would only receive in payment as a 
maximum of their passage price, one-half of the usual second- 
lass rate, provided they were engaged by the Government 
or its authorized agents, and even without such engagements, 
when their intention to remain in the Country was proved. 

Land is obtainable at very reduced prices, and the 
demand for workmen in the country and in the workshops is 
large. The preservation of the nationality of origin, and 
the facilities to acquire property, constitute a great induce- 
ment, no less so than the full right to undertake any traffic, 
the freedom to start any industry or trade, without paying 
any special contribution; and the right to one's own religious 
belief and thought according to one's own ideas and 
habits, provided they do not conflict with the principles of 



39 
universal morality. All these are rightfully protected by 
the law. 

The Country is developing new resources, within the 
limits of its forces: lands of different qualities, fibres of 
infinite classes, mineral veins, salines and woods, present 
the prime matter of lucrative industries all of which find a 
decided protection from the State. The refined tastes of 
the country promise on the other hand, a good reception: 
and its sense of justice, compensation for all work. 

The climate and beauty of nature give additional 
attraction to life. 

Guatemala belongs to the limited number of countries 
which can cover all their own wants, by working the ad- 
mirable variety of her natural elements: its territory, not 
very large, although being almost a synopsis of all the 
zones and products of the world, allows the extension of 
the net of communications to bring into contact all the 
social forces to produce an active trade and a useful inter- 
communication. Order has been firmly established and 
has taken the consistency so much required by labor. 

Guatemala has undoubtedly a right to be considered 
amongst the progressive countries of the world. It has 
now only to continue'developing the immense resources at 
her command, to protect foreign immigration, and to con- 
tinue fulfilling as heretofore her obligations, in order to 
advance and occupy a leading position among the Latin 
£ merican Republics. The s^und practical sense of the 
men now in charge of her destinies, is a guaranty that at 
no distant a day she will be considered one of the foremost 
countries of America. 



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